PASTOR’S UPDATE MARCH 10, 2023
Hey there Friendship Family!
This is a simple message this week just to get some information out to you! So there’s no long “word of encouragement” this week, but let me say this, “Be encouraged, and don’t be discouraged!” Why? Because, God is on your side.
This is a simple message this week just to get some information out to you! So there’s no long “word of encouragement” this week, but let me say this, “Be encouraged, and don’t be discouraged!” Why? Because, God is on your side.
Here are this week’s announcements…
SIDE-BY-SIDE COUPLES MINISTRY:
The next Side by Side Couples Ministry Session will occur tonight Friday, March 10th, at 7pm via Zoom. This group is doing a six-week study entitled CHERISH by bestselling author Gary Thomas. The discussion topic for this session is “Your Honor.” If you have any questions, please contact Deacon Hilton McDaniel at (949) 652-1489 or email Sheila McDaniel at [email protected]. To join the session, go HERE. They look forward to you joining the class.
GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SALES
This coming Sunday, March 12th is the final day for Girl Scout cookie sales. After tomorrow, you will have to wait until next year! Please stop by their table and support.
WEEKLY HEALTH WALK
Remember, Health Care Ministry is sponsoring a weekly Health Walk every Saturday from 7am to 7:35am led by Rev. Aubrey Craig and Sister Sandra Jones. This is a 30-minute walk. The walking group will meet on the corner of Bastanchury Road and Rose Drive. If you want to participate, show up with water and energy snacks. Water and snacks will not be provided. For more information, please call Sister Sandra Jones at 909-438-7217.
VETERANS MINISTRY EVENT:
Attention all VETERANS, tomorrow, Saturday, March 11th, from 11am to 1pm, the Friendship Veterans Outreach Ministry will celebrate Women in the Armed Forces with its first all-female workshop in honor of Women’s Month. The workshop will be held here at Friendship in the Multi-Purpose Bldg.
The Special Guest speaker is Loma Holland - a retired Navy Reserve NCIS investigator and LAPD Sargent & Detective Supervisor. She will give special insight into a career that is male-dominated. Come hear her most valuable lessons learned and how her faith brought her through her best and worst experiences. Following the presentation, there will be an open forum for women to share their experiences with other women.
Ladies, you do not have to be a veteran to attend and share your stories and hear the stories of others. Come and be a part of this monumental event. Also, come learn what programs the VA and other non-profit organizations like Veterans Legal Institute of Santa Ana and the Tierney Center for Veteran Services of Tustin have available for women! Finally, come get advice for young women who are seeking a career in the military.
Veterans! Please encourage your female family members and friends to attend this exciting new workshop! If you have any questions, concerns, or recommendations, please don’t hesitate to contact Mark Saunders, the leader of the Veterans Ministry, at (714) 914-1411 or email him at [email protected].
RHEMA MEN'S FELLOWSHIP
Monday March 13th at 7pm in the multipurpose building here on campus.
Title: Stepping Up Into Discipleship Session 2 - Be One, Make One
Session Leaders: Deacon Allen Gobert, Brother Erwin Cross, Dr. David Smith and Deacon Charles Owens
Brothers, Resilient Faith calls for us to take action in our walk with Christ. In our candid real talk time together we will continue to break down the difference between being a disciple and the act of discipleship, as well as provide objectives and practical application for discipling and reaching others. Food will be provided, so come for the camaraderie and join in on an interactive session that is sure to be action packed. Please register using the link provided below so we can plan accordingly.Resgister HERE. See you there.
WOMEN’S MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
Kingdom Women – Join us for our Virtual Women’s Ministry Monthly Fellowship on Friday, March 17th at 7:00 PM. Our guests, Rev. Belinda Wheaton-Wright & Rev. Freida Travis, will be speaking on Understanding Normal: Why We Crave Normal & The Shaking Of What Can Be Shaken based upon the book So Long, Normal: Living And Loving The Free Fall Of Faith by Author Laura Story. Laura writes,
SIDE-BY-SIDE COUPLES MINISTRY:
The next Side by Side Couples Ministry Session will occur tonight Friday, March 10th, at 7pm via Zoom. This group is doing a six-week study entitled CHERISH by bestselling author Gary Thomas. The discussion topic for this session is “Your Honor.” If you have any questions, please contact Deacon Hilton McDaniel at (949) 652-1489 or email Sheila McDaniel at [email protected]. To join the session, go HERE. They look forward to you joining the class.
GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SALES
This coming Sunday, March 12th is the final day for Girl Scout cookie sales. After tomorrow, you will have to wait until next year! Please stop by their table and support.
WEEKLY HEALTH WALK
Remember, Health Care Ministry is sponsoring a weekly Health Walk every Saturday from 7am to 7:35am led by Rev. Aubrey Craig and Sister Sandra Jones. This is a 30-minute walk. The walking group will meet on the corner of Bastanchury Road and Rose Drive. If you want to participate, show up with water and energy snacks. Water and snacks will not be provided. For more information, please call Sister Sandra Jones at 909-438-7217.
VETERANS MINISTRY EVENT:
Attention all VETERANS, tomorrow, Saturday, March 11th, from 11am to 1pm, the Friendship Veterans Outreach Ministry will celebrate Women in the Armed Forces with its first all-female workshop in honor of Women’s Month. The workshop will be held here at Friendship in the Multi-Purpose Bldg.
The Special Guest speaker is Loma Holland - a retired Navy Reserve NCIS investigator and LAPD Sargent & Detective Supervisor. She will give special insight into a career that is male-dominated. Come hear her most valuable lessons learned and how her faith brought her through her best and worst experiences. Following the presentation, there will be an open forum for women to share their experiences with other women.
Ladies, you do not have to be a veteran to attend and share your stories and hear the stories of others. Come and be a part of this monumental event. Also, come learn what programs the VA and other non-profit organizations like Veterans Legal Institute of Santa Ana and the Tierney Center for Veteran Services of Tustin have available for women! Finally, come get advice for young women who are seeking a career in the military.
Veterans! Please encourage your female family members and friends to attend this exciting new workshop! If you have any questions, concerns, or recommendations, please don’t hesitate to contact Mark Saunders, the leader of the Veterans Ministry, at (714) 914-1411 or email him at [email protected].
RHEMA MEN'S FELLOWSHIP
Monday March 13th at 7pm in the multipurpose building here on campus.
Title: Stepping Up Into Discipleship Session 2 - Be One, Make One
Session Leaders: Deacon Allen Gobert, Brother Erwin Cross, Dr. David Smith and Deacon Charles Owens
Brothers, Resilient Faith calls for us to take action in our walk with Christ. In our candid real talk time together we will continue to break down the difference between being a disciple and the act of discipleship, as well as provide objectives and practical application for discipling and reaching others. Food will be provided, so come for the camaraderie and join in on an interactive session that is sure to be action packed. Please register using the link provided below so we can plan accordingly.Resgister HERE. See you there.
WOMEN’S MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
Kingdom Women – Join us for our Virtual Women’s Ministry Monthly Fellowship on Friday, March 17th at 7:00 PM. Our guests, Rev. Belinda Wheaton-Wright & Rev. Freida Travis, will be speaking on Understanding Normal: Why We Crave Normal & The Shaking Of What Can Be Shaken based upon the book So Long, Normal: Living And Loving The Free Fall Of Faith by Author Laura Story. Laura writes,
"You've been faced with circumstances beyond your control. Your plans are altered. But you have the blessing of a Father who loves you enough to take off the training wheels and place his beloved child in the best possible scenario for your good and growth. So Long, Normal guides you to leave behind the idols of comfort, caution, and routine so you can live strong and well, even when life takes an unwelcome turn. Losing your “normal” is not the end of the world but the beginning of a new adventure. It is possible to grow with grace through tough times, navigating the unknown secure in the knowledge that God is with you—every step of the way."
Ladies let’s get together and learn, so we can say So Long Normal – We’re Shaking It Off In 2023! Resister HERE.
YOUTH MINISTRY GAME NIGHT
Attention all youth 6th-12th Grade! Come out on Friday, March 17th from 7-9 pm for a night of fun and games. Let's take some time out to have fun and get to know one another better. Please REGISTER by Wednesday, March 15th so we can plan accordingly.
QUILTING OUTREACH
Do you quilt? Are you a seamstress? Or just someone who sews? We have a group here at Friendship seeking to make quilts for youth 5–18 years old who have cancer as part of the Linus Project and for other charitable organizations serving youth. This is an outreach opportunity.
The quilting day will occur on Saturday, March 19th, from 9am to 1:30pm in the Multipurpose Building at Friendship. If you have a portable sewing machine and/or sewing supplies (scissors, cutting boards, pins, etc.), please bring them. Fabric will be provided, and we are accepting 5” or 5 ½” fabric square donations. The goal is to assemble quilt blocks during this time. No quilting skills are required, just a willingness to help. If you have any questions, please text Karen Ammons (714) 782-4540 or Cecil Session (951) 318-2129 to confirm your participation.
MARCH IS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to spread the word about the importance of screening for colorectal cancer, starting at age 45. Join our Healthcare Ministry as they partner with St. Jude Medical Center, Endoscopy Department on Sunday, March 19th, 2023, from 9:30am -1:30pm, in the quad to receive valuable Colorectal Screening information. The Healthcare Ministry will also be providing blood pressure checks.
TEACHER'S MEETING
To all Bible Teachers and LEAD Graduates, our 1st Quarter Teacher’s Meeting will be held on Saturday, March 25th, at 10 a.m. Please save the date. More information will come your way early next week! We will meet in person, at Friendship, in the Multi-Purpose Building. We look forward to seeing you and to our time together.
SINGLES MINISTRY CHAT N CHEW
Have you faced difficult situations, experienced loss, or had to make life-changing decisions? The reality is we have all had experiences that caused a shift, whether physical or emotional. But despite these sometimes unexpected circumstances, there is hope to rebuild with clarity and faith while navigating life in the New Normal.
Join us for a virtual fellowship on March 25, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Our guest speaker, Sis. Tanya Whiteside of The Whiteside Group, and a beloved member of Friendship Baptist Church, will lead the discussion and share with us on how we can Find Joy In The Unexpected! Register HERE. Don’t Delay…Register Today! We look forward to seeing you there!
BIBLE STUDY CLASS
If you’re seeking an adult Bible Study class to attend during the week, you’re invited to join a new study on the Book of Acts. This in-person class meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Carrington Building and is taught by Deacon Toreno Winn. This study recently started (two sessions held), and new members are welcomed! Register to attend: The Book of Acts Bible Study
Attention all youth 6th-12th Grade! Come out on Friday, March 17th from 7-9 pm for a night of fun and games. Let's take some time out to have fun and get to know one another better. Please REGISTER by Wednesday, March 15th so we can plan accordingly.
QUILTING OUTREACH
Do you quilt? Are you a seamstress? Or just someone who sews? We have a group here at Friendship seeking to make quilts for youth 5–18 years old who have cancer as part of the Linus Project and for other charitable organizations serving youth. This is an outreach opportunity.
The quilting day will occur on Saturday, March 19th, from 9am to 1:30pm in the Multipurpose Building at Friendship. If you have a portable sewing machine and/or sewing supplies (scissors, cutting boards, pins, etc.), please bring them. Fabric will be provided, and we are accepting 5” or 5 ½” fabric square donations. The goal is to assemble quilt blocks during this time. No quilting skills are required, just a willingness to help. If you have any questions, please text Karen Ammons (714) 782-4540 or Cecil Session (951) 318-2129 to confirm your participation.
MARCH IS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to spread the word about the importance of screening for colorectal cancer, starting at age 45. Join our Healthcare Ministry as they partner with St. Jude Medical Center, Endoscopy Department on Sunday, March 19th, 2023, from 9:30am -1:30pm, in the quad to receive valuable Colorectal Screening information. The Healthcare Ministry will also be providing blood pressure checks.
TEACHER'S MEETING
To all Bible Teachers and LEAD Graduates, our 1st Quarter Teacher’s Meeting will be held on Saturday, March 25th, at 10 a.m. Please save the date. More information will come your way early next week! We will meet in person, at Friendship, in the Multi-Purpose Building. We look forward to seeing you and to our time together.
SINGLES MINISTRY CHAT N CHEW
Have you faced difficult situations, experienced loss, or had to make life-changing decisions? The reality is we have all had experiences that caused a shift, whether physical or emotional. But despite these sometimes unexpected circumstances, there is hope to rebuild with clarity and faith while navigating life in the New Normal.
Join us for a virtual fellowship on March 25, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Our guest speaker, Sis. Tanya Whiteside of The Whiteside Group, and a beloved member of Friendship Baptist Church, will lead the discussion and share with us on how we can Find Joy In The Unexpected! Register HERE. Don’t Delay…Register Today! We look forward to seeing you there!
BIBLE STUDY CLASS
If you’re seeking an adult Bible Study class to attend during the week, you’re invited to join a new study on the Book of Acts. This in-person class meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Carrington Building and is taught by Deacon Toreno Winn. This study recently started (two sessions held), and new members are welcomed! Register to attend: The Book of Acts Bible Study
HOLY WEEK
FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE
We also want to thank those who have already started to give for our FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE. This month (March), we request that you submit your PLEDGE FORM and begin making your pledges.
On the pledge form, please indicate your planned pledge amount and your frequency of giving. Again, if you have the printed form, please put your total pledge amount on the KICK STARTER LINE. Then tell us, on that form, whether you will give your pledge over 12 months or 15 months. Lastly, please tell us the frequency of your giving, whether you will give weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly (as a one-time gift). Also, the form is available online HERE.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT NEEDED
Also, I need an Executive Assistant. I will admit we do not offer the highest salary. Still, we offer a great work environment, medical benefits, a retirement package, and the satisfaction of working in a Christian environment and making a difference for the Kingdom of God. Qualified individuals should be highly organized, have problem-solving capabilities, and be willing to get things done! If that’s you or someone you know, please apply on our website HERE!
HEALTH SEMINAR
Second Baptist Church, in partnership with The Association of Black Cardiologists, Friendship
Baptist, Johnson Chapel A.M.E., and Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E. churches is hosting a series
of ten community-based heart health educational sessions designed to provide the African
American community with tools and resources to reduce cardiovascular disease and improve
health outcomes by reducing disparities in cardiovascular disease.
These sessions began on Tuesday, January 24th. They are held weekly on Tuesdays, and four more sessions are left. Sessions go from 7pm until 8pm weekly. The sessions cover “Knowing Your Risk for Heart Disease.” Participants will learn about risk factors for heart disease. Specifically, the sessions will cover the following:
MEN NEEDED @ FOOD PANTRY
Attention, Men of Friendship. We need you! We need men to help us pick up donated food from area stores and other sources to serve those with food insecurity. There has been an increase in pick-ups from stores and other sources. We need pick-up drivers on Mondays and Fridays between 8:00am and 10:00am. This does require some mild lifting. Please contact Gloria Banks or Rev. Felton Christian at the church if you can assist during these times. You can reach Rev. Felton Christian HERE.
BEREAVEMENT COMMITTEE
We also need individuals to serve on our Bereavement Committee, assisting bereaved families at funerals during the repast. Losing a family member can be one of the most difficult and painful experiences a person will go through. Having a solid support system of friends and other family members is essential during such devastating times. If you are interested in serving, please contact the church office.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Make sure to follow us on our social media pages for upcoming content. For Facebook, that’s Friendship Baptist Church. For Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, it’s @wearefriendshipchurch.
- Wednesday, April 5th ~ Holy Week Revival at Christ Our Redeemer ~ Irvine, CA ~ 7pm (Pastor Curry Preaching & Friendship Choir Singing) ~ Time TBA.
- Thursday, April 6th ~ Maundy Thursday Service @ Friendship @ 7:30pm
- Friday, April 7th ~ Good Friday Service ~ Christ Second Baptist ~ Long Beach, CA~ 7pm (Pastor Curry Lecturing & Friendship Choir Singing ~ Preacher: Dr. Marcus Cosby (Houston, TX) ~ Time TBA.
- Sunday, April 9th ~ Resurrection Sunday ~ Three Services ~ 5:30am, 8am, & 11:30am
- Friday, April 14th ~ Post Resurrection Sunday Concert ~ Peace Tour (Cinque Cullar) ~ @ Friendship @ 7:30pm
FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE
We also want to thank those who have already started to give for our FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE. This month (March), we request that you submit your PLEDGE FORM and begin making your pledges.
On the pledge form, please indicate your planned pledge amount and your frequency of giving. Again, if you have the printed form, please put your total pledge amount on the KICK STARTER LINE. Then tell us, on that form, whether you will give your pledge over 12 months or 15 months. Lastly, please tell us the frequency of your giving, whether you will give weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly (as a one-time gift). Also, the form is available online HERE.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT NEEDED
Also, I need an Executive Assistant. I will admit we do not offer the highest salary. Still, we offer a great work environment, medical benefits, a retirement package, and the satisfaction of working in a Christian environment and making a difference for the Kingdom of God. Qualified individuals should be highly organized, have problem-solving capabilities, and be willing to get things done! If that’s you or someone you know, please apply on our website HERE!
HEALTH SEMINAR
Second Baptist Church, in partnership with The Association of Black Cardiologists, Friendship
Baptist, Johnson Chapel A.M.E., and Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E. churches is hosting a series
of ten community-based heart health educational sessions designed to provide the African
American community with tools and resources to reduce cardiovascular disease and improve
health outcomes by reducing disparities in cardiovascular disease.
These sessions began on Tuesday, January 24th. They are held weekly on Tuesdays, and four more sessions are left. Sessions go from 7pm until 8pm weekly. The sessions cover “Knowing Your Risk for Heart Disease.” Participants will learn about risk factors for heart disease. Specifically, the sessions will cover the following:
- How to control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
- How to prepare healthy food, particularly African American dishes
- How to be more physically active, have a healthy weight, and quit smoking
MEN NEEDED @ FOOD PANTRY
Attention, Men of Friendship. We need you! We need men to help us pick up donated food from area stores and other sources to serve those with food insecurity. There has been an increase in pick-ups from stores and other sources. We need pick-up drivers on Mondays and Fridays between 8:00am and 10:00am. This does require some mild lifting. Please contact Gloria Banks or Rev. Felton Christian at the church if you can assist during these times. You can reach Rev. Felton Christian HERE.
BEREAVEMENT COMMITTEE
We also need individuals to serve on our Bereavement Committee, assisting bereaved families at funerals during the repast. Losing a family member can be one of the most difficult and painful experiences a person will go through. Having a solid support system of friends and other family members is essential during such devastating times. If you are interested in serving, please contact the church office.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Make sure to follow us on our social media pages for upcoming content. For Facebook, that’s Friendship Baptist Church. For Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, it’s @wearefriendshipchurch.
General Church things to remember:
Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV
2 Cor 13:11: Philp 4:6-7; Psalm 4:8; 2 Thes 3:16; Col 3:15
✔️ The entire Bible,
✔️ The Pentateuch (or the first five books of the Old Testament),
✔️ The entire Old Testament,
✔️ The Gospels (or the first four books of the New Testament),
✔️ The entire New Testament, and
✔️ Psalms and Proverbs (3 times)
Well, that’s all we have this week. I look forward to seeing you Sunday!
Continue to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and Stay Connected!
God loves you, and so do I!
In His Service,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
- 2023 CHURCH THEME:
Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV
- MARCH PRAYER FOCUS:
2 Cor 13:11: Philp 4:6-7; Psalm 4:8; 2 Thes 3:16; Col 3:15
- BIBLE READING
✔️ The entire Bible,
✔️ The Pentateuch (or the first five books of the Old Testament),
✔️ The entire Old Testament,
✔️ The Gospels (or the first four books of the New Testament),
✔️ The entire New Testament, and
✔️ Psalms and Proverbs (3 times)
- IN-PERSON EX-HOUR: We invite you to stay after the first service or come earlier for the second service to attend Ex-Hour in person. Remember, we have two adult classes meeting in person on campus and a Young Adult Class. They meet as follows:
- Adult Class One (Sanctuary): The team teaching in the Sanctuary includes Lady Karima Curry, Pamela Jones, Deacon Demetrius Linebarger, Melanie Porter, Vivian Randolph, & Deacon James Shelby
- Adult Class Two (Carrington Building Room 217): The team teaching in the Carrington Building Room 217 includes Le Shon Archer, Deacon Rick Archer, Karen Ammons, Gwen Matthews, and Rev. Phil Yoder
- Young Adults Class (Carrington Building Rooms 207-208): This class is designed for those aged 18-35.
- EX HOUR: Virtual Ex-Hour meets weekly on Sundays via ZOOM. Join us for class at 10am via this link HERE.
- YOUTH EX HOUR: Our in-person youth Ex Hour takes place during our designated EX Hour time in the Multipurpose Building. Parents, please encourage your students to join youth teachers for this biblically fun opportunity to learn God’s Word, connect with others, and grow.
- CHILDREN’S EX-HOUR: As stated in previous weeks, our Children’s ExHour is back and meets on Sundays at 10am in the Multipurpose Building. Parents, please note you must check in and check out your children weekly for Ex-hour.
- MOMMIES WITH BABIES: We have our Mommies with Babies class simultaneously during EX-Hour in the Multipurpose Building. Mommies with two years old and younger children are invited to this EX-HOUR class and are encouraged to bring their children with them! Come for encouragement, community, and growth! Amen!
- WEDNESDAY Prayer Day: Join us each Wednesday for Prayer. We pray at 6:30am, 12pm, and 6:30pm. To connect with our prayer services, please follow this link HERE or dial in at +1 (413) 418-4274 and use the PIN 287683504#.
- FBC FOOD BANK OPEN: The FBC Food Bank is OPEN with a new drive-thru system where our clients will receive a pre-packaged food box and a bag of groceries. The Food Bank’s hours of operation are Tuesday - Thursday, 2:30pm-4:30pm.
- COVID Recovery Kits: We still have COVID Recovery Kits through Providence Health and the Yorba Linda Rotary Club. These kits help individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are recovering at home. Each kit includes a pulse oximeter to monitor breathing, a thermometer, a box of masks, and a package of sanitizing wipes in a small canvas bag. If you or someone in your family could benefit from one of these kits, please call the church office and arrange to get one.
- COVID Membership Assistance Fund: We are STILL accepting COVID Membership Assistance Grant applications. If you are experiencing financial distress due to COVID-19, we invite you to apply for one of our $500 assistance grants. The guidelines are available HERE, and the application is available HERE.
Well, that’s all we have this week. I look forward to seeing you Sunday!
Continue to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and Stay Connected!
God loves you, and so do I!
In His Service,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor